Oxyfuel Cutting And Welding

Introduction

Oxyfuel: the process of combining pure oxygen with a combustible fuel gas to produce a flame

Can be used for welding, brazing, cutting, and heating metals

Oxygen & fuel gases are stored under pressure in cylinders and are released as individual gases through valves, regulators, and hoses. Mixed as they flow through torch assemblies Burn as they are discharged through special

tips

Fuel gases: Propane, natural gas, propylene & acetylene Vary in their chemical composition React with the metal in different ways

Factors to consider in selecting a gas: Availability & cost Welding process or operation to be performed Thickness of metal & type of welded joint to be

produced Physical properties of metals Chemical properties of metals

Propane (C3H)

Supplied in a liquid form under positive pressure, which varies with temperature

Most oxyfuel cutting torches can use LP gas, but special hoses and cutting tips are required.

Readily available in most areas Due to cost, propane cutting is heavily

used in the metal recycling industry.

Propylene (C3H6)

Has been used for approximately 30 years

Stable in both liquid and gas states Economical Produces little slag Has a high heat value Does not have the withdrawal pressure

limitations that are necessary with acetylene

Approximately 5% propylene, 87% propane & traces of other gases

Acetylene (C2H2)

Most widely used fuel gas for welding and cutting applications

Produces a clean weld and a controllable flame

Less stable and more expensive than other fuel gases

Performs most functions well and is widely available

Compressed Natural Gas (CH4)

Adaptable for cutting, soldering, brazing, and preheating

A water seal or blowback valve to prevent backfiring into the gas supply line must protect the natural gas source.

Facts About Oxygen (O2)

Odorless, colorless, tasteless & heavier than air

Makes up about 20% of the atmosphere Will not burn by itself Produced commercially by causing air to

liquefy Compressed into steel cylinders at 1,800 to

2,400 pounds per in2 (psi) Supports combustion and is explosive if

handled improperly Cylinder sizes = 80 to 244 ft3

Facts About Acetylene (C2H2)

Colorless, but has a very distinct odor Highly combustible Cylinder sizes = 60 to 300 ft3

Cylinder contains a porous substance saturated with liquid acetone

Acetylene is pumped into the cylinder, displacing some of the acetone

Not under extremely high pressure Full cylinder is pressurized to approximately

250 psi May not be withdrawn at a rate higher than

15 psi

Functions of Oxyfuel Heat

Oxyfuel cutting of mild carbon steel heats the metal to rekindling temperature (1,400oF to 1,800oF), then oxidizes and blows the slag from the cut with a stream of pure oxygen.

Oxyfuel welding fuses two pieces of metal by heating them to the melting point with a combustible mixture of oxygen and fuel gas. Can be done with or without the use of a welding rod Brazing: the joining of metals by adding bronze filler Soft and hard solders (lead & silver alloys) are the filler

materials used in soldering. The oxyfuel flame is also used to bend, shape,

preheat, stress relieve, post-heat & temper metal.